The UK government is considering a ban on unlicensed gambling firms sponsoring sports teams, including Premier League clubs. This move comes as part of a broader crackdown on unregulated betting operations.
Ministers have expressed concerns about the risks associated with the unlicensed betting market. These include companies not adhering to laws and guidelines designed to protect customers, such as mandatory financial vulnerability checks and responsible advertising. Furthermore, there are fears that inadequate data protection measures could expose individuals to fraud and identity theft. There's also evidence linking unlicensed betting to organised crime.
A consultation into these proposals will be launched this spring. Last year, several clubs were warned by the Gambling Commission over their relationship with TGP Europe, an unlicensed firm. Premier League clubs Bournemouth, Fulham, Newcastle and Wolves along with then-Championship Burnley were all sponsored by betting websites run by TGP Europe. The firm had previously surrendered its British licence after an investigation found it failed to carry out sufficient checks on business partners and breached anti-money laundering rules. Clubs promoting such businesses risk prosecution if they continue their association with them.
Government support for regulation
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced the forthcoming consultation stating that people placing bets "deserve to know the sites they're using are properly regulated". She emphasized that appropriate protections should be in place for bettors.
Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, said:
"It's not right that unlicensed gambling operators can sponsor some of our biggest football clubs, raising their profile and potentially drawing fans towards sites that don't meet our regulatory standards."
The Betting and Gaming Council backed this stance via a post on social media site X: "It's not right that gambling companies without a UK licence can sponsor Premier League clubs... If an operator wants visibility through English football sponsorship, they should meet high regulatory standards set here in the UK."
Premier League clubs have collectively agreed to withdraw gambling sponsorship from matchday shirts' front by season end. However, sleeve sponsorship can still carry gambling branding, including that of unlicensed firms. This loophole gives non-regulated companies a significant presence in the country's most-watched sports league.
The government argues there is a "strong case for stopping unlicensed sponsorship altogether" as the brand visibility could drive consumers towards unregulated sites operating outside the Gambling Commission's regulatory protections. The commission estimates up to 1.4 million adults in the UK have a gambling problem. This statistic underscores the importance of robust regulation and protection measures for bettors. TGP Europe has been approached for comment on these developments.
